Answered6 years ago
Can I change my non O-A visa to a non B visa to avoid OPD health insurance requirements in Thailand?
I have lived permanently in Thailand for 17 years. Single male now 76 years old. Always had Thai health insurance for IPD cover with company now called AETNA. . Because of new laws for non O-A visa holders I now have to have OPD cover of 40,000 baht so that I can extend my one year retirement . As my house and Land is owned by my Thai Company with three Thai shareholders who I do not know and I am Company Director, could I change my visa to a non B ? Hence save the OPD health requirement. I am sure there are many farangs in the same position. Any constructive comments would be welcome.
Answer summary
A long-term resident in Thailand, now facing new health insurance requirements for non O-A visa holders, seeks advice on transferring to a non B visa to bypass outpatient insurance costs. Comments suggest consulting a lawyer, assessing other visa options like the non O visa that does not have the same insurance mandate, and consider different insurance providers to comply with requirements. Many expats share their experiences and frustrations regarding the health insurance demands, prompting discussions on the viability of current regulations.
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chris *********************************
I’m insured with Dr Walter, give them a try.
I had ridiculous quotes from Thai companies, they are all insane, my insurance with Dr Walter is less than a quarter of rip off Thai prices.
*****************************
I had ridiculous quotes from Thai companies, they are all insane, my insurance with Dr Walter is less than a quarter of rip off Thai prices.
Ettore ********
A little tip: Delete your post immediately! I know a guy who was kicked out of this group because he recommended a legal visa service in Thailand to someone with visa issues. Advertising for anything is strictly forbidden by the group administration. You have agreed to these conditions when you applied for group membership.
Geoff ********
OP@chris ********************************
Dr Walter is not on the Immigration list of 12 insurers one must use so I don’t know how they accepted your policy. Larry *********
Thailand should re-consider their insurance demands. I have an excellent Government insurance accepted by Bangkok Hospital and other private hospitals. Sadly, it is not accepted by Thai Immigration. They want us to buy a Thai insurance that for me is worthless since I have pre-existing condition. The insurance demand will discourage A-O visa applicants and Thailand will lose revenues on the profitable retirees. Covid-19 should prove it is a good idea to have more retirees and expats, because viruses come and go, while we do not abandon ship.
Li ****
@Larry ********
hi I'm needing insurance that don't require acceptance from immigration. Can you tell me how to get in touch with an agent? Geoff ********
OPMogens Nygaard in addition I should advise you that since the age of 59 I have had a one million baht health insurance cover for IPD here in Thailand with the company formerly known as BUPA now AETNA. So I have had responsible health insurance in Thailand for the last 17 years.
Geoff ********
OPMogens Nygaard sorry. But you are wrong. As a single person living in Thailand for 17 years I have to show Immigration EVERY YEAR that I have 800,000 baht in a Thai bank from an external source. Then after getting my one year retirement extension, I then have to return to Immigration after three months to prove that I have not spent anything from that figure in the meantime. Please don’t give out incorrect information. Prior to the changes last year, one could show a certified letter from my Embassy proving an income overseas to equate to 800,000 baht. This option was discontinued.
Larry *********
The insurance demand smells fishy to me. The motive should be to get tourist, retirees, and expats to have sufficient insurance, so they do not become a liability for hospitals in Thailand. I have been admitted to hospitals four times in Thailand and my insurance has paid all expenses. When my heart stopped, I was brought to Bangkok hospital. My insurance cover it. if I had insurance in one of the Immigration recommended insurance companies, I would have had to pay it all due to a preexisting condition.
For example, Pacific Cross insurance does not even cover treatment at Bangkok hospital, Bumrungrad and some other private hospitals. The approved insurance options look like a scam to enrich insurance agents and “others”. Thailand will lose out in the international competition to attract retirees at the time the Thai economy need us the most.
For example, Pacific Cross insurance does not even cover treatment at Bangkok hospital, Bumrungrad and some other private hospitals. The approved insurance options look like a scam to enrich insurance agents and “others”. Thailand will lose out in the international competition to attract retirees at the time the Thai economy need us the most.
Geoff ********
OP@Larry ********
it is a total scam and money grabbing exercise. . And very discriminatory between long stay expats who are on O and not O-A. Someone should start a protest group to advise the Thai Government about their ill informed misinformation. I refer you to an article in The Pattaya Mail written by a former UK consul. It says it all, but who in Thai Government ever reads the Pattaya Mail ??Geoff ********
OP@Larry ********
I totally agree with you. I have high IPD health cover in Thailand but Immigration would not accept. The new OPD requirement is also no good for me because of pre existing and the limit of 1,600 baht claim per visit. Absolutely ridiculous and costly for retirees. 
Frank ********
My Immigration has recommended changing the O-A visa to an O visa for which no proof of health insurance is required: Departure from Cambodia and return, inform at the border that you will apply for a retired O-Visa and either present only the 30-day certificate to the official or apply for a 60-day visa. Then take care of the rest in the immigration of the province (annual visa Non-Immigrant O). However, unfortunately, at the moment one has to wait for the borders to open again in both directions.
Geoff ********
OP@Frank *******
yes. I have the same problem. I want to change but cannot do so at the moment. Legally, that is !
Brian ********
I am 77 to old for insurance have asked many companies never get a reply
Mimi ****
@Brian *******
hi I'm here for help. I'm from KrungThaiAxa I can give you more details please let me know. Geoff ********
OP@Mimi ***
I contacted KTA and was told they don’t insure retirees over 75 years. Are you associated with Krung Thai Bank ? Geoff ********
OP@Mimi ***
hello. I want to change my non immigrant O-A retirement visa to a non O retirement visa without leaving Thailand. I am a single male 76 years old and have lived in Thailand for 17 years. Reason I want to change so that I do not have to take out the new OPD health insurance required by Immigration just to get my one year extension. This is not required for non O visa holders. Geoff ********
OP@Brian *******
yes. That is correct. I am same as you. We are being forced to leave Thailand. !!!
Jay *******
Rick Groebel
Bee *****
Thank you for this. I have heard so many bad things about Aetna from fellow expatriates living here... And most advised against being in it. Funny issue is that so many Thai agent brokers are recommending it...I was almost sucked into it... Until I see reviews like yours
Rick ***********
Yes, the absurd requirement for outpatient insurance doubles the cost of the policy. However if you look there are some policies with 300000 baht deductibles. The policy has no value as insurance but it does fulfill the requirements and is relatively cheap.
*****************************************************************************
I was going to recommend lmg but now I understand your problem is that you're over 75. ******************************************
*****
0 baht deductibles. The policy has no value as insurance but it does fulfill the requirements and is relatively cheap. https://www.lmginsurance.co.th/en/Products/Pages/Universal-Longstayvisa.aspx. I was going to recommend lmg but now I understand your problem is that you're over 75. https://longstay.tgia.org/home/companiesoa here are all of the companies that you can by the mandatory insurance from.
Ronald *********
LUMA
Geoff ********
OP@Ronald ********
???????
Kool *******
I am at a loss reading your situation. Type O-A extension is for retirement, and under this you are not allowed to work, but beside that point, you might be able to change it to a type O extension, as retired, and then no insurance requirement, if money is the reason you don't simply upgrade your insurance, but, you should be under type B if you are in fact working, and filing Thai taxes. If your company has at least bt1.5million in registered capital you should have no problem getting your type B extension, and the required work permit to go with it, and that you have at least 4 Thai employees, that you pay social security on. Shareholders don't count for this. There is also another way, but only if you are an American.
Bobby ********
@Kool ******
. Cannot change from OA to O in country. Leaving/re-entering on ANY visa now requires insurance with larger coverage than OA insurance, so there is no advantage
Ian *********
I think that, regardless of the visa type, you really need to ensure adequate med cover. You never know when you’re gonna need it mate
เอ็ดเวิร์ด *******
If it was me, I would consult a lawyer who specializes in healthcare matters
Garrett ***********
Good question. I don't see any reason why you shouldn't be able to.
Paul ********
@Garrett **********
Really Please tell Garrett ***********
@Pa**
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